Police cars followed the thieves, who turned around and drove at the emergency vehicles, crashing into them and causing the cash machine to fall out and into the hands of police.

The Golf broke through and was driven in the wrong direction down the A12, before those involved ran away, with two later found after searches by the police dog unit and a police drone.

The aftermath of the ram raid in Kessingland.
Picture: Nick Butcher

Villagers were shocked by the scene of destruction as they walked past the Co-op, with some only having passed by hoping to take out cash.

The shop, on a small business estate, is two doors down from the Kessingland Village Store, where shop worker Harry Pendle, 18, described the incident as “immature”.

The aftermath of the ram raid in Kessingland.
Picture: Nick Butcher

He said: “I think it is pretty immature. I see Kessingland as more of a family: everyone knows everyone because it is such a small place and something like this comes along and happens. It puts things into perspective.”

Hannah Mackender, 29, grew up in Kessingland and lived there for 25 years before moving to Beccles. Back visiting her mum in Kessingland, the scene of destruction was a shock.